WAMCon Focus: Hayley Ayres (360 Artist Logistics)

Hayley Ayres (Director, 360 Artist Logistics)
How did you first become involved in the music business and how did you end up where you are today? I started booking shows for friends’ bands who were too lazy to book their own shows and then one day a guy called Andrew Ryan said, "Hey, can I pay you to book a gig?" And I said yes and then I got paid to book more gigs and then started managing bands and then started an events company with this guy I met at a party Leon Kneebone who I got along with pretty well and the story continues.
What's been the biggest change in the music business you've seen over the past 12 months? There's definitely been a big shift towards gender equality. We've got a long way to go but when I started out almost eight years ago, calling someone out for inappropriate behaviour could end your career. I'm glad to see it's no longer the case. Oh, and people have become okay with paying for digital streaming services which is real cool. rip limewire.
What do you think will be the biggest issue affecting the music industry in the next 12 months and why? It's becoming increasingly difficult for musicians to earn a living from their original music. I see a lot of musicians slog it out with the idea that it will get easier. But as earnings go up, so do all the expenses affiliated with upgrading your shows and promo. With government funding becoming harder to come by, and more people finding a way to take a slice from an artist's pie, artists are often working jobs on the side to subsidise their living and are worked to the bone. It's time for the industry to acknowledge it's not acceptable. 
What advice would you give young practitioners in your area starting out today? Go to lots of shows. When I started out I would often go to three or four different gigs in a night every single day of the week. Also if a band is touring, chuck them a message and see if they need a place to crash. I've made a lot of good mates and strong professional connections from offering up a couch, some wine and a BBQ to a touring band. 
What's the secret to success in the music industry? The secret is that none of us know what we're doing. We're always winging it and if there was a secret, labels would never release albums that flop, promoters would never run shows at a loss, and we'd all be rich. It's not really a secret but some advice would be; don't do it for the money, do it because you love it.
What will you be primarily discussing during your appearance at the WAMCon? Well they chucked me on a touring panel so I'll share a few stories about that. 
What are you hoping that people will be able to learn from your panel/interview? I hope people can pick up a few tips they didn't know on how to book your own tours. 
What do you personally hope to take away from your time at WAMCon? Obviously checking out the bands! But maybe I'll make some new friends, catch up with lots of current friends. Maybe even see old friends. 
Which acts are you most looking forward to checking out at WAMFest? Obviously Demon Days and The Floors but also FOAM, Stella Donnelly, Spacey Jane, Rag N Bone, Kopano, Akioka... damn there's so many.
Check out the WAMCon website for all the details.